• Nicollette Sheridan has at least one 'Desperate Housewives' producer on her side during her legal battle with show creator Marc Cherry. A big point in Cherry's defense against Sheridan's unlawful termination claim is that he decided in June 2008 that her character would get killed off, but staff writer Kirkland Baker said she didn't know Edie would be killed off until at least September. [THR]

• Ving Rhames will has booked the lead in the Comedy Central pilot 'Black Jack.' The actor will play a recently de-commissioned special ops agent. [Deadline]

• 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' is changing its name. The adult swim show will now be known as 'Aqua Unit Patrol Squad.' The show's 100th episode will air this Sunday night at midnight. [adult swim]

Jimmy Smits just can't stay way from fictional authority figures: He's played cops, lawyers, a Senator from Alderaan and, most recently a judge. Now, it's been announced that his next TV role will be Mayor of Los Angeles.

According to Deadline.com, Smits has signed on for the last major lead role in Stephen ('Traffic') Gaghan's new drama for NBC.

Formerly known as 'S.I.L.A.,' the as-of-now untitled project is described as a complex ensemble drama in the style of 'Traffic' and 'Syriana' set in the world of crime, law enforcement and politics in sprawling modern-day Los Angeles.

Smits will portray the pivotal character of Los Angeles Mayor Alfonso Morales, who's described as a man full of ambition who cares deeply about his city, power and women, but not necessarily in that order.

According to Variety, the Oprah Winfrey Network has shut down a daytime talk show that was being developed by reality guru Mark Burnett.

OWN executive Christina Norman made the decision, saying the network is focusing more on its primetime slate of programing. The talk show was going to have multiple hosts, similar to 'The View' and 'The Talk.'

This isn't the end to Burnett and OWN's partnership. Burnett is executive producer on 'Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star.'

In other TV news ...

• Gloria Allred has gotten her own courtroom TV show. The lawyer to the stars will serve as judge in 'We the People With Gloria Allred,' set to debut in syndication and cable this fall. [Hollywood Reporter]

• Sonya Salomaa will guest star on 'Supernatural.' The 'Watchmen' actress will play a tough angel named Rachel. [TV Guide]

• Two 'Project Runway' spin-offs are in the works. Besides the previously reported 'Project Runway: Accessories,' 'Project Runway: Masters' is being developed. The new project will pit professional designers against each other. [Entertainment Weekly]